Attachment for a hand held appliance

ABSTRACT

An attachment for a hair care appliance includes a body having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a fluid flow path extending between the inlet and outlet and at least one vane for directing fluid within the fluid flow path towards the fluid outlet, wherein the body includes at least two extended plates and the fluid outlet includes a slot defined by an overlap between the at least two extended plates, and wherein the at least one vane is positioned within the overlap between the at least two extended plates. The body may be elongate, may have a first end including the fluid inlet, and may extend along an axis. The fluid outlet may extend along the axis between the first end and a second end. The at least one vane may direct fluid flowing in the fluid flow path from a first direction to a second direction.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of United Kingdom Application No.1605018.9, filed Mar. 24, 2016, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an attachment for a hand held appliance, inparticular a hair care appliance such as a hot styling appliance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In a conventional hot styling device, air is drawn into an inlet by afan unit and directed towards the hair by a head or attachment.Depending on the style desired, the air may or may not be heated. Thehead or attachment often includes bristles onto which hair is wrappedand held for styling. The air is generally blown out of the attachmentnormal to the surface of the attachment. When styling hair in curls itcan be difficult to unwrap the hair from the bristles and the hair maybecome tangled.

When styling hair in curls it is also known to use curling tongs inwhich a heated barrel may reach high temperatures before the hair iswrapped around the barrel and then secured by a barrel clip for a periodof time. Repeated use of such curling tongs at high temperatures maydamage the hair.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention provides a hair care appliancecomprising a body having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a fluid flowpath extending between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet and at leastone vane for directing fluid within the fluid flow path towards thefluid outlet wherein the body comprises at least two extended plates andthe fluid outlet comprises a slot defined by an overlap between the atleast two extended plates and wherein the at least one vane ispositioned within the overlap between the at least two extended plates.

Advantage is found in providing vanes on the inner face of each platewhich function to guide the flow precisely as it exits the attachment.Specifically, a uniform airflow exiting the attachment will allow hairstrands to attach uniformly over the length of the barrel.

Preferably, the body is elongate and extends along an axis. In apreferred embodiment, the elongate body has a first end and a second endand the fluid inlet is at the first end.

Preferably, the fluid outlet extends along the axis between the firstend and the second end.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one vane is an aerofoil. Thisshape is advantageous as it reduces turbulence.

Preferably, the at least one vane directs fluid flowing in the fluidflow path from a first direction to a second direction. In a preferredembodiment, the first direction is parallel to the axis of the body.Preferably, the second direction is 85° to 95° from the axis.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one vane comprises a pluralityof vanes extending from the first end of the body towards the second endof the body.

Preferably, the plurality of vanes are irregularly spaced along thebody. In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of vanes areprogressively closer together towards the second end.

Preferably, the plurality of vanes are angled to the axis of the body.In a preferred embodiment, the angle of at least some of the pluralityof vanes differs from adjacent vanes. Preferably, the angle of theplurality of vanes with respect to the axis increases towards the secondend.

Advantage is found in providing vanes of varying angles within theoverlap, wherein the angles of the vanes are dependent upon the positionof the vane along the length of the attachment in order to optimizeairflow attachment.

In a preferred embodiment, the size of the plurality of vanes variesbetween the first end and the second end. Preferably, the plurality ofvanes are progressively smaller towards the second end of the body.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of vanes has the sameprofile.

Preferably, the slot is curved with respect to the axis of the body.Advantage is found in combining a twisting helical form of each platewhich provides helical fluid outlet slots and internal vanes to directthe flow out of an attachment as this enhances attachment of the airflowto the surface of the attachment.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one vane is substantially thesame length as the overlap between the at least two extended plates.

Preferably, one of the at least one vanes has a structural function aswell as a flow directing function.

In a preferred embodiment, each extended plate is formed from a strutand a plate.

Preferably, the slot is formed from a strut and a plate from adjacentextended plates.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides an attachment for ahair care appliance comprising an elongate body having a first end and asecond end, a fluid inlet at the first end, a fluid outlet and a fluidflow path extending between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet whereina cool tip is provided adjacent the second end of the elongate body andthe cool tip is spaced from the second end of the elongate body.

A gap between the underside of the cool tip and the adjacent end of theelongate body advantageously minimizes transfer of heat to the cool tipand also has the advantage of allowing for manufacturing tolerancesbetween the assembly sub-sections.

Preferably, an air gap is provided between the cool tip and the secondend of the elongate body.

In a preferred embodiment, the cool tip comprises an annular flangewhich extends around the second end of the elongate body. Preferably,the elongate body has an outer wall. In a preferred embodiment, theannular flange is spaced from the outer wall.

In a preferred embodiment, the cool tip comprises a handle extendingfrom the flange.

Preferably, the handle is cylindrical. In a preferred embodiment, thehandle is hollow. Having a hollow handle on the cool tip is advantageousas air within provides further insulation.

Preferably, the outer wall is formed from at least two plates thatextend from the first end to the second end.

In a preferred embodiment, the fluid outlet comprises a slot wherein theslot extends between the at least two plates. Preferably, the slot iscurved. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid outlet comprises more thanone slot.

According to a third aspect, the invention provides an attachment for ahair care appliance comprising a first subassembly and a secondsubassembly wherein the first subassembly comprises a cage onto whichcomponents of the second subassembly are mounted.

Preferably, the first subassembly is formed from a plurality of spacedapart struts.

In a preferred embodiment, the second subassembly comprises a pluralityof plates.

Preferably, each of the plurality of spaced apart struts comprises alongitudinal flange extending from the first end to the second end. In apreferred embodiment, each of the plurality of plates comprises acooperating longitudinal flange.

Preferably, an equal number of plates and struts are provided.

In a preferred embodiment, the first subassembly comprises at least onestructural vane extending between a pair of adjacent struts.

Preferably, the second subassembly comprises a plurality of plates andeach of the plurality of plates comprises an indentation foraccommodating the at least one structural vane.

In a preferred embodiment, the attachment comprises an elongate bodyformed from the plurality of spaced apart struts and the plurality ofplates. Preferably, the elongate body comprises a first end and a secondend.

In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of plates and pluralityof spaced apart struts are provided with one of a cooperating pair ofprotrusions and recesses at the first end of the elongate body.Preferably, each of the plurality of plates and plurality of spacedapart struts are provided with a second one of a cooperating pair ofprotrusions and recesses at the second end of the elongate body.

In a preferred embodiment, following attachment of the plurality ofplates to the first subassembly, the plurality of plates are welded tothe first subassembly.

Preferably, each of the plurality of spaced apart struts comprises alongitudinal flange extending from the first end to the second end andeach of the plurality of plates comprises a cooperating longitudinalflange and these flanges are welded together.

In a preferred embodiment, at the distal end of each of the plurality ofspaced apart struts and each of the plurality of plates from thelongitudinal flange and cooperating longitudinal flange is a slot andthis slot forms part of a fluid outlet from the attachment.

Preferably, a plurality of vanes are provided within the slot. In apreferred embodiment, the plurality of vanes serve to maintain a slotgap between the strut and plate. Preferably, the plurality of vanesserve to turn fluid flowing out of the slot.

In a preferred embodiment, at the first end of the elongate body, aconnection ring is provided for connecting the attachment to a hair careappliance.

In a fourth aspect, the invention provides an attachment for a hair careappliance comprising an elongate body having a first end and a secondend, an fluid inlet at the first end, an fluid outlet and a fluid flowpath extending between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet wherein acollar is proved at the first end and the collar extends around theelongate body.

Advantage is found in providing a squared ledge or collar at the firstend of the attachment which functions to avoid entrainment of air nearthe hot air styling device and to avoid hair wrapping down the hot airstyling device.

Preferably, the fluid outlet extends from adjacent the collar towardsthe second end of the elongate body. In a preferred embodiment, thecollar extends out from the elongate body. Preferably, the elongate bodyextends along an axis and the collar is substantially orthogonal to theaxis of the elongate body. In a preferred embodiment, the elongate bodyextends radially out from the axis and the collar extends further fromthe axis than the elongate body. Preferably, the collar extends radiallyaround the elongate body.

In a preferred embodiment, the fluid outlet comprises at least one slotextending along the elongate body.

Preferably, the outer wall is formed from at least two extended platesand the at least one slot extends between the at least two extendedplates.

In a preferred embodiment, the elongate body extends along an axis andthe at least one slot is curved with respect to the axis. Preferably,the at least one slot is helical.

According to a fifth aspect, the invention provides an attachment for ahair care appliance comprising an elongate body having a first end and asecond end, a fluid inlet at the first end, a fluid outlet and a fluidflow path extending between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet whereinthe diameter at the first end is larger than the diameter at the secondend and the fluid outlet extends from the first end to the second end.

Preferably, the elongate body converges from the first end towards thesecond end.

In a preferred embodiment, the elongate body gradually reduces indiameter from the first end. Preferably, the reduction in diameterextends along a portion of the elongate body. In a preferred embodiment,there is a gradual transition from the diameter at the first end to thediameter at the second end.

Preferably, the elongate body comprises an extended plate extending fromthe first end to the second end. In a preferred embodiment, the extendedplate has a thickness and the thickness of the plate is substantiallyuniform along the body.

Preferably, any change in diameter along the length of the elongate bodyis both an internal change and an external change.

In a preferred embodiment, the elongate body flares towards the firstend. Advantageously, a flared profile of a first end of the attachmentreduces turbulence and thereby aids initial attachment of the end of ahair strand. Further, hair is wrapped from a second end of theattachment towards the airflow inlet end.

Preferably, the elongate body extends along an axis and has asubstantially constant diameter along the axis from the second endtowards the first end.

In a preferred embodiment, the fluid outlet comprises at least one slotextending along the elongate body. Preferably, the elongate body extendsalong an axis and the at least one slot is curved with respect to theaxis. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one slot is helical.

Advantageously, the attachment of the present invention may be providedin different sizes to enable several sizes of curls to be styled.Furthermore, either clockwise helical airflow outlet slots oranti-clockwise helical airflow outlet slots can be utilised. Thedirection of overlap of a slot determines the direction of curl.

According to a sixth aspect, the invention provides an attachment for ahair care appliance comprising a body having a fluid inlet, a fluidoutlet, a fluid flow path extending between the fluid inlet and thefluid outlet, a first vane and a second vane for directing fluid withinthe fluid flow path towards the fluid outlet wherein the body comprisesat least two extended plates and the fluid outlet comprises a slotdefined by an overlap between the at least two extended plates whereinthe first vane and the second vane are curved and positioned within theoverlap between the at least two extended plates wherein the first vaneand the second vanes curve in opposite directions.

Preferably, the fluid inlet comprises a first cross sectional area, thebody comprises an outer wall and the outer wall of the body comprises asecond cross sectional area wherein the second cross sectional area isgreater than the first cross sectional area.

In a preferred embodiment, the fluid inlet has a diameter df and theattachment has a diameter d2 wherein d2 is greater than df.

Preferably, the body is elongate and extends along an axis. In apreferred embodiment, the body has a first end and a second end and thefluid inlet is at the first end.

Preferably, the first vane is adjacent the fluid inlet. In a preferredembodiment, the first vane has a convex surface and the convex surfacefaces the fluid inlet.

Preferably, the second vane has a concave surface and the concavesurface faces the fluid inlet.

In a preferred embodiment, the first vane and the second vane areaerofoil in shape.

Preferably, the fluid outlet extends along an axis between the first endand the second end.

In a preferred embodiment, the second vane comprises a plurality ofvanes spaced along the extended plates. Preferably, the plurality ofvanes are irregularly spaced along the extended plates. In a preferredembodiment, the plurality of vanes are angled to the axis of the body.Preferably, the angle of at least some of the plurality of vanes differsfrom adjacent vanes. In a preferred embodiment, the angle of theplurality of vanes with respect to the axis increases towards the secondend. Preferably, the size of the plurality of vanes varies along theextended plate. In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality ofvanes has the same profile. Preferably, the at least one vane issubstantially the same length as the overlap between the at least twoextended plates.

In a preferred embodiment, the slot is curved with respect to the axisof the body.

Preferably, each extended plate is formed from a strut and a plate.

In a preferred embodiment, the slot is formed from a strut and a platefrom adjacent extending plates.

Preferably, the attachment further comprises at least one structuralvane. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one structural vaneconnects between a strut and an adjacent strut. Preferably, the at leastone structural vane connects between a strut and a plate.

Advantageously, a protrusion on a leading edge of an inner face of aplate provides enhanced airflow attachment to the outer surface of theattachment, in particular, in attachments of greater diameter (e.g. 40mm).

According to a further aspect, the invention provides an attachment fora hair care appliance comprising a body having a fluid inlet, a fluidoutlet and a fluid flow path extending between the fluid inlet and thefluid outlet wherein the fluid outlet comprises a slot defined by anoverlap between a radially inner extended plate and a radially outerextended plate.

Preferably, the radially inner extended plate comprises a radially innersurface which curves radially inwards towards the overlap.

Preferably the radially inner extended plate comprises a strut and aplate.

In a preferred embodiment, the radially inner surface includes areinforcing rib which preferably extends radially inwards of the strut.Preferably, this reinforcing rib is rounded so it provides a smoothtransition for fluid flowing through the attachment. The reinforcing ribextends from an inlet end of the overlap at least partial along theradially inner surface of the strut.

Preferably, the strut comprises a protuberance located adjacent an inletend of the radially inner plate. This protuberance is a bulge orlocalised thickening of the strut. Preferably, the protuberance issubstantially hemispherical. Preferably, the protuberance extends froman inlet end of the strut an outlet end of the strut. Alternatively, theprotuberance extends partially along the strut.

In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing rib, protuberance or bulgeextends along substantially the whole length of the strut.

Preferably, adjacent the fluid inlet, the reinforcing rib, protuberanceor bulge comprises a chamfer or angled face. This provides a smoothtransition for fluid flowing into the attachment. Preferably, theattachment comprises a connection ring for connection to an appliance.In a preferred embodiment, the connection ring defines the fluid inletinto the attachment. Preferably, adjacent the connection ring, thereinforcing rib, protuberance or bulge lies in the same plane as theconnection ring. In a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing rib,protuberance or bulge extends radially inwards to a minimum radius fromthe connection ring towards a downstream end of the attachment. Once theminimum radius is reached, it is preferred that the reinforcing rib,protuberance or bulge remains at a substantially constant radius fromthe longitudinal axis X-X of the attachment.

Preferably, the hair care appliance is a hot styling appliance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features of the present invention will now be described by wayof example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an attachment accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 2a is an exploded view of the attachment;

FIG. 2b is an isometric view of a first subassembly;

FIG. 2c is an exploded view of a second subassembly;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the attachment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a top end view of the attachment;

FIG. 8 is a base end view of the attachment;

FIG. 9 is a front view of a single plate;

FIG. 10 is a side view of a single plate;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an attachmentaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the attachment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the attachment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a longitudinal cross-sectional of the attachment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 17 is a side view of a single plate of the attachment of FIG. 11;and

FIG. 18 is a side view of an example of a hot air styling device towhich an attachment may be connected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is an external view of an attachment 10 of the present invention.The attachment 10 comprises a fluid inlet 20 for receiving an airflowfrom an airflow outlet end of a hot air styling or similar device. Thefluid inlet 20 is generally circular in shape, to enable an air-tightconnection with a generally circular outlet end of the hot air stylingdevice.

The attachment 10 is essentially cylindrical and extends longitudinallyfrom the fluid inlet 20 to the distal end 30, preferably continuing aline described by the hot air styling device. The attachment has anelongate body 12 having a first end 14 and a second end 16. Elongateplates 40 extend from the first end 14 to the second end 16, andelongate slots 50 disposed between adjacent plates 40 comprise the fluidoutlet for this attachment. The distal end 30 of the attachment 10comprises a cool tip 32.

In this embodiment, the attachment 10 has a constant diameter d1 whichextends at least partially along the elongate body 12 which is less thanthe diameter df of the fluid inlet 20.

FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c show exploded and isometric views of a preferredembodiment of the attachment 10 which reveals some internal features andthe parts shown may also be preferred assembly subsections. FIGS. 2a and2b show a first subassembly 100 is formed by a central cylindrical cagestructure 60 and this is illustrated as having six elongate supportstruts 62. The six elongate support struts 62 extend between a collar 64at the fluid inlet 20 of the central cylindrical cage structure 60 andan end wall 66 at a second end 24 of the central cylindrical cagestructure 60. The collar 64 extends from a connection ring 68. Theconnection ring 68 functions to join the attachment 10 to the hot airstyling device or similar device. The end wall 66 includes anoutstanding ring 26 for attachment of the cool tip 32 via lugs 28provided radially around the cool tip 32. The fluid outlet is formed bythe slots 50 extending from adjacent the collar 64 to the end wall 66 ata second end 24 of the central cylindrical cage structure 60.

A second subassembly 110 is formed by six separate plates 40, as shownin FIG. 2c . When the attachment is manufactured, the second subassembly110 is attached to the first subassembly 100. In a preferred embodiment,each of the plates 40 are attached to a strut 62 forming extended plates54 (see FIG. 5) and this forms the elongate body 12 which extendsbetween the collar 64 and the second end 24 of the central cylindricalcage structure 60. The elongate body 12 has a first end 14 adjacent thecollar 64 and a second end 16 which is adjacent the end wall 66 of thecentral cylindrical cage structure 60. The elongate body 12 extends foras long as the struts 62, the plates 40 and the elongate slots 50. Thecollar 64 and connection ring 68 form part of the central cylindricalcage structure 60 but not the elongate body 12.

The collar 64 is flat and annular; the collar extends out from theelongate body and has a diameter which is greater than that of theconnection ring 68, the elongate body 12 and the cylindrical cage 60.The collar 64 is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis X-Xof the attachment which is also the longitudinal axis of the elongatebody 12.

In order to attach the first subassembly to the second subassembly eachplate 40 is attached to a strut 62. Each strut 62 has several featureswhich function to receive connection features located on the inner sideof each plate 50. Specifically, three structural vanes 70 extend from aleading edge 62 a of each strut 62 at regular intervals and join onto anouter face 72 of an immediately adjacent strut. An inner face 42 of eachplate 40 has three indentations 44 located to receive the structuralvanes 70. In a further embodiment, both ends of the outer face 72 ofeach strut includes a recess 74 which is suitable to receive aprotrusion 46 positioned at both ends of the inner face 42 of each plate40. In addition, each strut 62 includes a longitudinal flange 76extending from the leading edge 62 a. Each plate 40 has a cooperatinglongitudinal flange 48. In this embodiment, the cooperating longitudinalflange 48 is formed as a continuation of the three indentations 44providing a localized thinning of the plate 40. The longitudinal flange48 of the strut 62 is also effectively a thinned part of the strut 62.When the plate 40 is attached to the strut 62 an extended plate 54 (seeFIG. 5) is formed, the longitudinal flange 76 cooperates with thecooperating longitudinal flange 48 to position the plate 40 with respectto the strut 62. In a preferred embodiment, when the plate 40 isattached to a strut 62, the outer surface 72 of the strut 62 continuesacross an outer surface 52 of the plate 40.

In a preferred embodiment, additional fixing means, such as ultrasonicwelding or gluing, can be utilized in addition to mentioned aids toattaching and positioning the plates 50. The parts are preferably weldedalong the length of the flanges and the three indentations 44. Thisprovides an air seal at the leading edge 62 a of each strut 62 forcingair to flow out of the elongate slots 50.

As shown in FIGS. 2b and 2c , a plurality of vanes 100 are located onthe inner face 42 of each plate 40. Specifically, the vanes 100 arelocated along the leading edge 42 a of each plate 40, in a transverseorientation to the longitudinal axis X-X of the attachment. In apreferred embodiment, the vanes 100 are spaced along the length of theplate 40 with gaps where positioning indentations 44 are present. Fromthe first end 14 to the second end 16, the vanes 100 gradually decreasein length and depth and angle away from normal to the leading edge 42 aof the plate 40.

The structural vanes 70 additionally have the function of directing theflow. Thus, the structural vanes have structural function and a flowturning function. The structural vanes 70 have a similar angle andprofile to the vanes 100 adjacent each of the structural vanes 70.

The vanes 100 and structural vanes 70 are optimized for the drop in airpressure and the drop in air volume along the length of the elongatebody 12 from the fluid inlet 20 to the second end 16 to provide air flowout of the slot 50 which is uniform in volume and direction along thelength of the slot 50.

FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the attachment. The profile of theleading edge of each plate is non-parallel to the longitudinal axis X-Xof the attachment. Specifically, each plate twists around thelongitudinal axis X-X of the attachment forming a helical arrangement.Preferably, the slots curve by an angle of 45° from the longitudinalaxis X-X of the attachment. In this example the slots 50 curve in ananti-clockwise direction from the first end 14 towards the second end16. The slots 50 are formed between adjacent overlapping extended plates54, 54 a however, in order to form the curved slots, the plates 40 donot extend along the longitudinal axis of the attachment but alsopreferably curve by an angle of 45°.

In FIG. 3, the vanes 100 located on the inner face of one particularplate 50 are visible through a slot between two adjacent plates. In thepreferred embodiment shown, the diameter of the elongate body 12 isgreater at the first end 14 than at the second end 16. Specifically, theplate arrangement flares outward towards the first end 14 of theelongate body 12.

This side view of the attachment in FIG. 3 shows protrusions 76regularly located on the connection ring 68 to enable a click-fitconnection to the fluid outlet end of a hot air styling device orsimilar device. Alternative attachment options will be apparent to theskilled person, such as screw-fit or push-fit arrangements.

A transverse cross-sectional view, along line A-A, through the elongatebody 12 is shown in FIG. 4. This cross-section shows the six extendedplates 54 where each extended plate 54 includes one plate 40 and onestrut 62 but does not cut through structural vanes 70 or vanes 100. Afluid outlet path 58 between an extended plate 54 and a consecutiveextended plate 54 a is not constant in width. Specifically, eachextended plate 54 has an arc shaped cross-section of a smaller radiusthan a radius of the whole elongate body 12. Consequently, each fluidoutlet path 58 has a minimum dimension at the associated outlet slot 50.Whilst the fluid outlet path 58 narrows towards each slot 50, thethickness of the extended plate 54 remains substantially constant. Thelongitudinal flange 76 and cooperating longitudinal flange 48 areconsequently both approximately half the thickness of the plate 40 andstrut 62.

The airflow exiting each slot 50 is tangential to the outer surface 54 bof the extended plate 54 and joins with the airflow exiting the otherslots thereby forming a continuous fluid path 78 around thecircumference of the attachment. The airflow exiting the slots 50 isattracted to the curved surface of the attachment by the Coanda effect.This in turn causes hair that is presented to the attachment 10 to beinfluenced by the airflow to wrap around the cylindrical surface of theattachment 10. In particular the tips of a tress of hair presented tothe attachment 10 are attracted to the outer surface of the attachment10 and then the hair tress wraps around the attachment 10. As air isblown down the length of the hair, wet hair dries quickly.Advantageously, this wrapping process occurs without the use ofbristles, and so the hair can slide off the attachment once it is dry orstyled so there is no tangling.

The airflow exiting the slots is substantially normal to the slots 50however, it is preferred that the airflow is angled towards the fluidinlet 20 by around 2.5 to 4.5°. In this example 3.5° has been used. Acombination of the curved slot 50, vanes 100 and structural vanes 70produces this angle of airflow. This causes hair to helix down theattachment, towards the fluid inlet 20 which enables curled hair tonaturally fall off the attachment 10 when a user either removes theattachment 10 from the hair tress or switches the device off.

A further transverse cross-section view, along line B-B of FIG. 3,through the elongate body 12 is shown in FIG. 5. This cross-section cutsthrough a vane 100 on each extended plate 54. The longitudinally helicalnature of the fluid outlet slots can be seen, as the position of eachextended plate 54 has rotated relative to FIG. 4. Where a vane 100 on anextended plate 54 contacts the adjacent extended plate 54 a, airflow isrestricted or stopped.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-section through the longitudinal axis of theattachment 10 thereby revealing the inner face of several struts 62. Theinside of the cool tip 32 is hollow in order to provide a relativelycooler location for the user to touch or grasp the attachment. A gapbetween the underside of the cool tip 32 and the second end 16 of theelongate body 12 minimizes transfer of heat to the cool tip 32 and alsohas the advantage of allowing for manufacturing tolerances betweenparts.

The cool tip 32 comprises a handle 34 and an annular flange 36. Thehandle 34 is hollow and in this embodiment is filled with air toinsulate the handle 34 from hot fluid flowing within the attachment 10.The annular flange 36 is provided with an annular indentation 38 toprovide an air gap 80 between the second end 16 of the elongate body 12and the cool tip 32 which extends circumferentially around the annularflange 36. The elongate body 12 can be considered to have an outer wall82 formed from the plates 50; the annular flange 36 is spaced from theouter wall 82. The air gap 80 is sufficiently sized so that the air gap80 is continuous around the annular flange 36 even when manufacturingtolerances are considered.

In FIGS. 3 and 6, the flared profile of the elongate body 12 is apparentat the first end of the attachment. Such a flare is not present in allembodiments of the present invention. Whether there is a flare or not isdetermined by the relative diameters of the attachment and hot airstyling device or similar device to which the attachment is attached. Ifthe diameter of the attachment is less than that of the hot air stylingdevice or similar device then there is a flare to both minimiseturbulence and to enable a change in the diameter from the device to theattachment. Specifically, such a flare is included in an embodimenthaving a diameter of the elongate body of 30 mm, but is not included inan embodiment having a diameter of the elongate body of 40 mm. Thisflare functions to reduce turbulence and thereby aids initial attachmentof the end of a hair strand to the first end of the attachment.

The elongate body 12 converges from the first end 14 towards the secondend 16. The reduction in diameter extends from the first end 14 to apoint Y and from point Y to the second end 16 the diameter of theelongate body 12 is constant. The purpose of the convergence is toprovide a smooth transition from the diameter at the fluid inlet 20 tothe diameter at the second end 16 of the elongate body 12. Anyturbulence in air flowing into the attachment 10 is minimized which alsoreduces pressure loses in the attachment 10. This has the advantage ofencouraging the tips of hair in a tress to attach to the outer surfaceof the attachment.

The top view of an exemplary attachment in FIG. 7 illustrates that thecollar 64 near the fluid inlet of the attachment has a greater diameterthan the cool tip 32 at the distal end 30. The base view of an exemplaryattachment in FIG. 8 illustrates the overlapping formation of eachextended plate 54.

The collar 64 has a number of functions. The collar 64 helps to keephair on the attachment 10 when it is wrapped around the attachment 10 byproviding a physical barrier for the hair and preventing hair from beingwrapped around the attachment 10 or indeed an appliance connected beyondthe collar 64. Another function is to protect the air flow around theattachment 10. The continuous fluid path 78 around the attachment 10will entrain or draw air from outside of the slots 50. This entrainedair is not necessarily tangential to the outer surface 54 b of theextended plate 54 so could adversely affect the hair wrapping process.The collar 64, has a greater diameter than the first end 14 of theelongate body 12 thus, it acts as a barrier to air being entrained overthe surface of an appliance towards the attachment 10.

FIG. 9 shows a preferred embodiment of an inner face 42 of a singleplate 40 having twelve vanes 100 positioned nearest a leading edge 42 aof the plate 40. The vanes 100 are spaced within two main series of fivevanes. Indentations 44, adapted to receive structural vanes 70, arefound on the trailing edge 42 b of the plate 40 located at the gapsbetween the series of vanes. The vanes 100 are positioned in a generallyperpendicular orientation to the leading edge 42 a of the plate 40. In apreferred embodiment, the vanes 100 located towards the upstream end ofthe attachment are positioned at an acute angle to the leading edge 42 aof the plate 40. The preferred length of a vane 100 is substantially tofill the slot 50 formed by an overlap 84 provided between one extendedplate 54 and the adjacent extended plate 54 a.

The profile of each vane 100 is an aerofoil and is designed to directflow from a first direction to a second direction out of the slot 50.Air enters the fluid inlet parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of theattachment 10; this is the first direction. The air flowing through theattachment 10 will naturally turn from this axis towards the slot 50 butit is the combined action of the profile of the vanes 100 along with thecurvature of the slots 50 on the air flow that produces the seconddirection of flow which, as previously described is preferred to beangled slightly towards the fluid inlet 20 as this encourages goodwrapping of hair and curls that are easily removed from the attachment10.

The vanes 100 may be regularly spaced along the length of the plate 50however, in order to achieve even flow out of the slot 50 along theelongate body 12, it is preferred that the spacing is irregular and thatthe vanes 100 are more spaced at the first end 14 and closer together atthe second end 16 of the elongate body 12.

In addition, as the volume and pressure of air flowing through theattachment 10 changes from the first end 14 to the second end 16 of theelongate body 12, the vanes 100 are progressively smaller from the firstend 14 to the second end 16 of the elongate body 12. The angle of thevanes 100 with respect to the longitudinal axis X-X of the attachment 10changes from the first end 14 to the second end 16 of the elongate body12. It is preferred that the angle increases with respect to thelongitudinal axis X-X of the attachment 10 from the first end 14 to thesecond end 16 of the elongate body 12.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a plate 40 which shows the helical form aroundthe longitudinal axis of each plate. The amount of helical rotationwithin a plate 40 is a function of a combination of features such as,but not exclusively, the number of plates, the diameter of theattachment, the profile of the vanes and the desired fluid outflow anglewith respect to the longitudinal axis of the attachment.

FIGS. 11 to 17 show a second embodiment of the invention. In thisembodiment, components illustrated and already described in relation toFIGS. 1 to 10 have like reference numerals. In this second embodiment,the diameter of the attachment 150 is 40 mm. Thus, the diameter of theattachment 150 is larger than that of the connection ring 68 and thefluid inlet 20 into the attachment 150. The cross sectional area of theattachment 150 is greater than the cross sectional area of the fluidinlet 20. A diameter d2 of the attachment 150 is greater than thediameter df of the fluid inlet 20.

As air flowing into the attachment 150 experiences an increase in volumewithin the attachment at the first end 14 of the elongate body 112, someair will recirculate towards a ledge 160 produced between the connectionring 68 and the outer wall 182 of the attachment 150. Thus, some of theair exiting the slot 50 would flow towards the fluid inlet 20 unless thedirection of flow were modified. In order that this recirculation doesnot affect the direction of flow of air out of the slots 50, at leastthe first vane 170, that being the vane adjacent the first end 14 of theelongate body 112 and adjacent the fluid inlet 20 is reversed withrespect to all the other vanes 100.

This has two functions—it, firstly, maintains the advantage that itprovides flow out of the slot 50 which is uniform in volume anddirection along the length of the slot 50 as with the previousembodiment and, secondly, it has one of the same functions as the collar64 of the first embodiment, namely keeping hair on the attachment 150 byproviding an air barrier at the first end 14 of the elongate body 112.Due to this air barrier, for this second embodiment, where theattachment 150 has a larger diameter than the fluid inlet 20 the collar164 is the same diameter as the outer wall 182. As this attachment 150has a greater surface area than the previously described attachment 10,hair is more easily attached to the outer surface 182 so the problem ofadverse effects from entrained flow over the surface of an appliancetowards the attachment 150 is less apparent.

The first vane 170 has an aerofoil shape and has a concave surface 172and a convex surface 174. The vanes 100 also have a concave surface 102and a convex surface 104. In order to turn air flowing out of the slot50 towards the fluid inlet 20, the concave surface 102 of the vanes 100is presented facing the fluid inlet 20 and this directs or channels thefluid towards the second direction in a smooth transition. Having asmooth transition reduces pressure losses, turbulence and noise withinthe attachment.

In contrast, the first vane 170 has the convex surface 174 facing thefluid inlet 20. This is due to the air recirculating towards the ledge160, thus the concave surface 172 of the first vane 170 is still facingthe air flow as with the vanes 100. The functionality is the same andthe effect is similar it is the direction of fluid flowing that haschanged.

The first vane 170 along with the vanes 100 are adapted to turn thefluid flowing in the attachment 150 from the first direction to thesecond direction out of the slot 50. As previously described, air entersthe fluid inlet parallel to the longitudinal axis X-X of the attachment150; this is the first direction. The air flowing through the attachment10 will naturally turn from this axis towards the slot 50 and in thisattachment 150, the air near the fluid inlet 20 turns further thanrequired. In order to achieve even flow along the length of theattachment 150, as previously described, it is the combined action ofthe profile of the first vane 170, vanes 100 and with the curvature ofthe slots 50 on the air flow that produces the second direction of flowwhich, as previously described is preferred to be angled slightlytowards the fluid inlet 20 as this encourages good wrapping of hair andcurls that are easily removed from the attachment 10.

A further feature of attachment 150 is that each strut 62 has areinforcement. The first subassembly 100 is preferably injection mouldedas a single piece. For attachment 10, as the elongate body 12 flarestowards the fluid inlet 20 there is a natural tapering towards thesecond end 16 which is used during the manufacturing process to at leastpartially create the draft required to remove a central mould from theattachment 10. For attachment 150, as the diameter d2 is greater thanthe diameter df of the fluid inlet 20 there is an undercut createdduring manufacture. For this reason, in attachment 150 there islocalised thickening 162 of the strut 62 on a radially inner surface 162a at an inlet end 86 of the overlap 84.

The localised thickening 162 can be considered a reinforcing rib,protuberance or bulge which extends along the whole length of the strut62. Adjacent the fluid inlet 20, the localised thickening 162 includes achamfer or angled face 166 which guides fluid flowing into theattachment 150 from the connection ring 68 over the end of the localisedthickening 162.

The curvature of the localised thickening 162 additionally directs flowover a trailing edge 62 b of the strut 62 towards the overlap 84 and theslot 50.

FIG. 18 shows an example of a hot air styling device 200 together withattachment 10. The hot air styling device 200 comprises a generallytubular handle 220 having an fluid inlet 230 and a fluid outlet 240 atopposing ends. At the fluid inlet 230 of the handle, an array ofapertures 232 extends around and partially along the handle 220.Internally (not shown), a fan unit comprises a fan and a motor. In use,the motor drives the fan and air is drawn in through the apertures 232of the fluid inlet 230, along a fluid flow path which extends throughthe length of the handle 220. The fluid is optionally heated by a heater(not shown) before exiting the hot air styling device at the fluidoutlet 240. The fluid inlet 20 of the attachment 10 of the presentinvention is connected to the fluid outlet 240 of the hot air stylingdevice 200 or a similar device and receives the fluid drawn in by theaction of the motor. The fluid then exits the attachment 10 via slots50. The appliance 200 may be connected to a power supply via a powercable or could house batteries within the handle 220.

The skilled person will be aware that fabrication and assembly of thepresent invention may be realized in many differing ways. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 2, possible assembly subsections are shown asan elongate body 12 structure having six elongate support struts, sixseparate plates and a cool tip. However, the elongate body 12 may, inturn, be constructed of several further assembly subsections. In analternative embodiment of the present invention, the elongate body 12may comprise three fixed plates and a further three separate plates maybe attached to the cage structure. Clearly, similar fabrication andassembly methods can be utilized independent of the number of platespresent in an embodiment.

A preferred method of manufacturing the attachment 10, 150 is byinjection moulding however, this is not essential to the inventiveconcept and the skilled person will be aware of suitable alternatives.

The diameter of an attachment 10, 150 can be the same as that of theappliance to which it is attached or different. Some of the inventivefeatures described herein are applicable regardless of the diameter, forexample the spacing of the cool tip, the different subassemblies and theuse of vanes.

Where the diameter of an attachment is shown as being different to thatof an appliance to which it is attached, it is generally both theinternal diameter and the external diameter that are different.

Vanes 100, 170 are shown as forming part of the plate 40 however, theycould be formed as part of the strut 62. Indentations 44 adapted toreceive to receive the structural vanes 70 are shown as being connectedto the longitudinal flange 48 however they may be separated.

The invention has been described in detail with respect to a hot stylingbrush however, it is applicable to any appliance that draws in a fluidand directs the outflow of that fluid from the appliance including ahairdryer.

The appliance can be used with or without a heater; the action of theoutflow of fluid at high velocity has a drying effect.

The fluid that flows through the appliance is generally air, but may bea different combination of gases or gas and can include additives toimprove performance of the appliance or the impact the appliance has onan object the output is directed at for example, hair and the styling ofthat hair. Such additives include but are not limited to hairspray andserums for example.

The invention is not limited to the detailed description given above.Variations will be apparent to the person skilled in the art.

1. An attachment for a hair care appliance comprising a body having afluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a fluid flow path extending between thefluid inlet and the fluid outlet and at least one vane for directingfluid within the fluid flow path towards the fluid outlet wherein thebody comprises at least two extended plates and the fluid outletcomprises a slot defined by an overlap between the at least two extendedplates and wherein the at least one vane is positioned within theoverlap between the at least two extended plates.
 2. The attachment ofclaim 1, wherein the body is elongate and extends along an axis.
 3. Theattachment of claim 1, wherein the elongate body has a first end and asecond end and the fluid inlet is at the first end.
 4. The attachment ofclaim 3, wherein the fluid outlet extends along the axis between thefirst end and the second end.
 5. The attachment of claim 1, wherein theat least one vane is an aerofoil.
 6. The attachment of claim 1, whereinthe at least one vane directs fluid flowing in the fluid flow path froma first direction to a second direction.
 7. The attachment of claim 6,wherein the first direction is parallel to the axis of the body.
 8. Theattachment of claim 7, wherein the second direction is 85° to 95° fromthe axis.
 9. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the at least one vanecomprises a plurality of vanes extending from the first end of the bodytowards the second end of the body.
 10. The attachment of claim 9,wherein the plurality of vanes are irregularly spaced along the body.11. The attachment of claim 10, wherein the plurality of vanes areprogressively closer together towards the second end.
 12. The attachmentof claim 9, wherein the plurality of vanes are angled to the axis of thebody.
 13. The attachment of claim 12, wherein the angle of at least someof the plurality of vanes differs from adjacent vanes.
 14. Theattachment of claim 13, wherein the angle of the plurality of vanes withrespect to the axis increases towards the second end.
 15. The attachmentof claim 9, wherein the size of the plurality of vanes varies betweenthe first end and the second end.
 16. The attachment of claim 15,wherein the plurality of vanes are progressively smaller towards thesecond end of the body.
 17. The attachment of claim 15, wherein each ofthe plurality of vanes has the same profile.
 18. The attachment of claim1, wherein the slot is curved with respect to the axis of the body. 19.The attachment of claim 1, wherein the at least one vane issubstantially the same length as the overlap between the at least twoextended plates.
 20. The attachment of claim 1, wherein one of the atleast one vanes has a structural function as well as a flow directingfunction.
 21. The attachment of claim 1, wherein each extended plate isformed from a strut and a plate.
 22. The attachment of claim 21, whereinthe slot is formed from a strut and a plate from adjacent extendedplates.